With autism constantly in the headlines the Centers for Diseases Control & Prevention estimates that 1 in 88 children has the disorder its crucial to help parents determine if their child should be screened. One of the first indicators of autism is a speech delay. However, that does not automatically mean the child has the disorder. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), more than five million children in the United States have a speech, language and/or hearing disorder and, often, parents are uninformed and unsure about what to do.

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM), an ideal opportunity for schools and the community to educate parents about communication disorders so that their childrens ability to socialize, learn and succeed academically is not impaired.

Here are some communication red flags that parents and teachers should be aware of: A child does not follow directions, imitate or respond when name is called; poor eye contact; delayed speech and language development; loss of words the child could previously speak; and problems answering questions or finding objects named.

While some of these might be warning signs for autism, the child may have other developmental delays. If parents notice any of these symptoms, they should speak with the childs pediatrician and request a referral to an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist.

Treatment is crucial because it can improve the quality of life for a child who may have problems speaking, understanding or hearing. If autism is diagnosed, there is hope. While there is no known cure, early intervention (before age 3) can effectively treat speech, language, social and behavioral problems.

Millie Martinez Suarez, M.S., founder and director, Speech Pathology Educational Center, Miami

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It might not be autism